Paralympic Gold Medalist Gregg Stevenson Named Village Freeman

Gregg Stevenson, a former commando and Paralympic athlete, has been formally granted the status of freeman in his home village. In September, Gregg Stevenson, alongside his partner Lauren Rowles, secured a gold medal in the mixed double sculls event at the 2024 Paralympics held in Paris. Stevenson, a resident of Foulridge in east Lancashire, suffered the loss of both his legs 15 years prior due to an explosion during his service as a Royal Engineer Commando in Afghanistan. The freeman of Foulridge certificate was presented to him at the village hall, before a large gathering. He expressed gratitude to the residents and local HM Forces Groups who attended the certificate presentation. Councillor Mohammad Aslam, the Mayor of Pendle, stated: “To have a Paralympic gold medal winner in Pendle is an outstanding privilege and it is wonderful that Foulridge Parish Council has honoured Gregg in this way.” Stevenson, who brought his gold medal to the occasion, had previously commented that receiving the honour was “pretty incredible”. His rowing partner, Lauren Rowles, hailing from Worcestershire, achieved a historic milestone at the Paris games by securing her third Paralympic gold medal.